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Caley to lose skipper

By Graeme Bailey

Darren Dods is understood to have signed a pre-contract agreement with Dundee United.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle captain Darren Dods is understood to have signed a pre-contract agreement with Dundee United.

Dods is out of contract in the summer and has been free to talk to other clubs since January 1 and United appear to have struck a deal.

"I have heard about it but I will wait until Darren speaks to me next week," said Inverness boss Charles Christie.

"Obviously I am disappointed, but it is not unexpected and in my heart of hearts I know the budgets other clubs work with, so it is not a huge surprise.

"However, we got him for nothing and turned his career around without a doubt.

"If we hadn't signed him for free from St Johnstone when he wasn't getting a game, then who knows where Darren Dods might be just now.

"He owes a lot to Caley Thistle and I am talking as if he has gone, although I hope that isn't the case.

"However if it is true, we have to accept these things and we had it when we were in the First Division when we lost the likes of Barry Wilson and Paul Sheerin, but we still managed to step on from there.

"The challenge is whether we can do it again."

While Dods is on his way to Tannadice, one man on his way out is Grant Smith.